FOOD SUPPLEMENTS: THEIR EFFECTS ON THE BODY Version 6.02 (c) Copyright 1998, 2001, 2002, 2003 by George M Lucich P.O. Box 424, Glenns Ferry, ID 83623 FOLIC ACID 800 mcg a day minimum + ? Since folic acid supplementation can mask a B-12 deficiency a B-12 supplement should be used with folic acid supplementation. Folate deficiencies are common in adults and infants and is crucial in fetal development in the first weeks of pregnancy. "Folic acid reduces risks of neural tube defects in unborn babies, including spina bifida (incomplete closure of the spinal column) and the absence of all or part of the brain and skull." Jacob Selhub, senior scientist and professor at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston. (USA Today:10-26-98) Reported to reduce neural tube birth defects by about 70 percent. (Science News:3-30-96). Reported to reduce heart attacks and strokes by: "15 to 20 percent", Dr. J. Selhub, (New England Journal of Medicine: 2-95), or by: "30 to 40 percent", Dr. J. Hall, Univ. of British Columbia. "1 to 5 mg per day required to control homocysteine (HCY) levels in some people." (Harvard School of Medicine Research Lab:1995). Folic acid has been shown to reduce HCY levels but vitamin B-6 and B-12 are also required. HCY interferes with vitamin C's attempt to repair artery walls, creates blood clots, and generates free radicals which oxidize LDL cholesterol allowing it to clog arteries. "10 mg per day along with 500 mcg of B-12 reversed precancerous lesions in lungs induced by smoking, and reversed precancerous lesions of the cervix." C. Butterworth, MD (The Medical Post:12-23-86). Folic acid deficiency causes cell changes that lead to cervical cancer. Several studies have also shown an inverse relationship between levels of beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E and cervical cancer. Needed for utilization of sugar and amino acids, division of body cells, memory, and production of RNA and DNA, protein metabolism, red blood cells and may help prevent cataracts. There appears to be a link between high HCY levels and osteoporosis. HCY levels are much greater in post menstrual than in premenopausal women. It has been reported that there is an increased requirement for folic acid after menopause. This requirement is much greater than the recommended dietary allowance. A new study from Boston University School of Medicine has shown a strong link between high HCY levels and Alzheimer's. Those with elevated levels of homocysteine were twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's as those with lower levels in their blood. From the Feb. 14, 2002 New England Journal of Medicine. Another study has shown that those with brain stimulating activities were 47% less likely to develop Alzheimer's. The Jour Am Med Asso 2-13-02. Cooking destroys some of the folate in food. Also destroyed by alcohol, aspirin, estrogen and oral contraceptives. Sources are dark green leafy vegetables, carrots, torula yeast, liver, egg yolk, cantaloupe, apricots, pumpkins, avocados, beans, whole wheat and dark rye flour. No known toxicity. See L-methionine, coffee, and inositol. For personal use only. Not for sale or hire. Permission to make copies by you for you and your friends is hereby granted. If you find this site to be of value a donation of any amount would be greatly appreciated. You are advised to consult a knowledgeable physician before using any of the nutrients listed herein. See note 10 for information on obtaining a list of this rare breed of medical doctors. |
FOOD SUPPLEMENTS: THEIR EFFECTS ON THE BODY Version 6.02 (c) Copyright 1998, 2001, 2002, 2003 by George M Lucich P.O. Box 424, Glenns Ferry, ID 83623 FOLIC ACID 800 mcg a day minimum + ? Since folic acid supplementation can mask a B-12 deficiency a B-12 supplement should be used with folic acid supplementation. Folate deficiencies are common in adults and infants and is crucial in fetal development in the first weeks of pregnancy. "Folic acid reduces risks of neural tube defects in unborn babies, including spina bifida (incomplete closure of the spinal column) and the absence of all or part of the brain and skull." Jacob Selhub, senior scientist and professor at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston. (USA Today:10-26-98) Reported to reduce neural tube birth defects by about 70 percent. (Science News:3-30-96). Reported to reduce heart attacks and strokes by: "15 to 20 percent", Dr. J. Selhub, (New England Journal of Medicine: 2-95), or by: "30 to 40 percent", Dr. J. Hall, Univ. of British Columbia. "1 to 5 mg per day required to control homocysteine (HCY) levels in some people." (Harvard School of Medicine Research Lab:1995). Folic acid has been shown to reduce HCY levels but vitamin B-6 and B-12 are also required. HCY interferes with vitamin C's attempt to repair artery walls, creates blood clots, and generates free radicals which oxidize LDL cholesterol allowing it to clog arteries. "10 mg per day along with 500 mcg of B-12 reversed precancerous lesions in lungs induced by smoking, and reversed precancerous lesions of the cervix." C. Butterworth, MD (The Medical Post:12-23-86). Folic acid deficiency causes cell changes that lead to cervical cancer. Several studies have also shown an inverse relationship between levels of beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E and cervical cancer. Needed for utilization of sugar and amino acids, division of body cells, memory, and production of RNA and DNA, protein metabolism, red blood cells and may help prevent cataracts. There appears to be a link between high HCY levels and osteoporosis. HCY levels are much greater in post menstrual than in premenopausal women. It has been reported that there is an increased requirement for folic acid after menopause. This requirement is much greater than the recommended dietary allowance. A new study from Boston University School of Medicine has shown a strong link between high HCY levels and Alzheimer's. Those with elevated levels of homocysteine were twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's as those with lower levels in their blood. From the Feb. 14, 2002 New England Journal of Medicine. Another study has shown that those with brain stimulating activities were 47% less likely to develop Alzheimer's. The Jour Am Med Asso 2-13-02. Cooking destroys some of the folate in food. Also destroyed by alcohol, aspirin, estrogen and oral contraceptives. Sources are dark green leafy vegetables, carrots, torula yeast, liver, egg yolk, cantaloupe, apricots, pumpkins, avocados, beans, whole wheat and dark rye flour. No known toxicity. See L-methionine, coffee, and inositol. For personal use only. Not for sale or hire. Permission to make copies by you for you and your friends is hereby granted. If you find this site to be of value a donation of any amount would be greatly appreciated. You are advised to consult a knowledgeable physician before using any of the nutrients listed herein. See note 10 for information on obtaining a list of this rare breed of medical doctors. |
